Advantages of using gravel as mulch
Mulching should be part of every gardener’s to-do list. Mulch is the name given to a layer of material that covers the soil. Mulching is most often used to protect plants but also has a variety of other benefits, including preventing weed growth, keeping soil moist and increasing its water holding capacity. All of this makes maintenance easier, being the ultimate time-saver for gardeners.
There are many materials that can be used for mulching, from organic materials, such as landscape bark and cockle shell mulch to inorganic materials, such as gravel. Gravel as mulch can bring plenty of advantages to an outdoor space.
Benefits of gravel mulch.
- - Conserve water better
- - Reduces weed growth
- - Keep the temperature of the soil consistent
- - Make maintenance easier
- - Will not wash away
- - Will not have to be replenished as often
- - Vast range of colours and sizes available
- - Enhance the appearance of outdoor spaces
Not only does gravel mulch conserve water better in the soil than its organic alternatives but it will keep the temperature of the soil consistent. This type of mulch will not wash away and will not have to be replenished as often as organic mulch. The texture of gravel is also a good snail and slug deterrent as these are less likely to cross a gravely surface.
Plus, with the vast selection of decorative gravel available, you can choose the right gravel colour to complement your home and provide a stunning finished look to your outdoor space.
Types of gravel.
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the right stone mulch as it is available in all kinds of colours, sizes and shapes. Our best-selling decorative gravel includes 20mm Gravel, 20mm Staffordshire Pink Gravel, 10mm Gravel and 20mm Trent Gravel.
When using gravel as mulch, it is important to cover the ground in landscape fabric, also called geotextile membrane, such as the non-woven geotextile membrane. This type of fabric is used as a drainage filter and separator for a variety of landscape, civil engineering and construction projects.
In addition to gravel, there are many other types of aggregates that you can use for mulching. As The Royal Horticultural Society shares, “Slate, shingle, pebbles, gravel, stone chippings and other decorative aggregates are often used as a mulch across beds. Sea shells, tumbled glass and similar materials can be used on the surface of containers.”